The Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Daniel Finch as the Chief Executive Officer of its Brisbane operations, pending regulatory approval.
Finch joins The Star after spending nine years as Managing Director of Expedia Australia, and as the company aims to prove to authorities that it is reshuffling management to ensure regulatory compliance.
Finch will report directly to the group’s CEO Robbie Cooke and is expected to start the role in mid-February.
The Star Brisbane is part of the AU$3.6 billion ($2.37 billion) Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project – encompassing luxury hotels, a casino retail, event center and Sky Deck.
Despite delays and controversies surrounding the project – and the group’s sourcing of funds from investors to allow for its completion – the group is expecting to open the property in phases starting in August.
The Star is going to shift the operations of its current gaming operation in the city – Treasury Casino – to The Star Brisbane, making it the only casino operation in Brisbane.
Speaking of his appointment, Finch noted that “A major priority will be to build trust and reputation with guests, patrons, stakeholders and the local community. This will create the foundation that will set The Star up for sustainable long-term growth and success”.
The Star has previously been fined millions for offenses relating to anti-money laundering and Know-Your-Customer (AML and KYC) issues. Its Queensland and New South Wales gaming operations have had special managers put in place to ensure its return to compliance.
